Light display honors young girl's memory

The rows of Christmas trees lined along Matthew Lane in Carol Stream might stand in stark contrast to the displays some homeowners put up this season.

Scotch pines line the street, adorned with nothing more than three strands of white lights.

That's 300 little flickering white lights per tree.

But these trees and their lights serve a purpose beyond simply bringing the neighborhood a little holiday cheer.

The muted displays serve as a reminder of 8-year-old Brittany Valene, a little girl known for her charisma and maturity.

Brittany passed away in February 2005, after suffering complications from a congenital heart condition called Long QT syndrome.

Since her death, Brittany's school, Heritage Lakes Elementary, has dedicated an annual fundraiser for the American Heart Association in her honor.

And closer to Brittany's stomping grounds, each year on the weekend following Thanksgiving, neighbors put up holiday displays and raise money for research into the causes of Brittany's condition.

More than 140 trees stand in front of homes near her family's neighborhood and around the village in honor of the little girl.

And neighbors say they'll raise more than $3,000 this year from the displays.

"She was just this young girl full of life," said Jim Guthrie, whose daughters grew up playing with Brittany. "We thought this would be a good way to honor her."

Coming Friday

• Where can you find the best holiday decorations? Our annual guide to Christmas lights in DuPage County highlights the area's most interesting displays. See Friday's Neighbor.